Coast Guard Academy Mourns the Loss of Bill Schmitz

Aug 26, 2013

Bill Schmitz, a 1976 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and former head football coach for the Bears, passed away on Monday morning. Bill was the Bears head coach from 1993-'96 leading the Bears to a Freedom Football Conference (FFC) Championship and the program's first ever NCAA playoff berth in 1996. Schmitz, a two-sport athlete, playing both baseball and football for the Bears, was inducted into the Coast Guard Academy Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

"Here at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, we were very saddened today to learn of the passing of Coach Bill Schmitz, CGA Class of '76. The Athletics division coaches, staff and cadet-athletes send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to Bill's family during their time of loss. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Bill clearly recognized his pride in and great love for the Coast Guard Academy, the Bears football team and the Coast Guard itself. As the only CGA graduate to ever serve as the academy's head football coach, Bill leaves a significant legacy of accomplishment – having led the Bears to their first-ever NCAA playoff berth in the 1996 season. However, Bill's greatest legacy is that of selfless service and commitment to his players, whose lives and careers he impacted so positively."

Tim Fitzpatrick, Director of Athletics

U.S. Coast Guard Academy

33 Mohegan Avenue | New London, CT 06320-8104

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